A Dish That's More Than a Casserole: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's Viral Hotdish Recipe

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Kamala Harris' running mate, has found himself in the spotlight for a reason that might surprise some: his family's hotdish recipes. The Democratic vice presidential nominee, who is expected to speak at the 2024 DNC on Wednesday in Chicago, recently shared his recipe on X, igniting a frenzy across the internet.

The recipe has garnered 1.5 million views since Walz posted it on Aug. 9, prompting a flurry of activity on TikTok and beyond. But what exactly is this dish that has captured the attention of so many?

A Culinary Journey Through the Upper Midwest

Hotdish is a dish that is deeply ingrained in the culinary traditions of the Upper Midwest, especially in Minnesota and North Dakota. It's a one-dish meal that embodies the spirit of resourcefulness and comfort food.

“Hotdish is an anything goes one-dish meal from the Upper Midwest, but it's especially beloved in Minnesota and North Dakota,” Eater.com reported.

The dish, which many in other regions might call a casserole, has a distinct set of characteristics that set it apart. As Eater.com explains, “A creamy sauce binds three essential hotdish components together: starch, protein and vegetable.”

The Walz Hotdish Recipe and Its Variations

Walz's tater-tot hotdish recipe is a classic Midwestern concoction, combining ground turkey, green beans, bacon, mushrooms, shredded cheese, spices, and herbs in a baking dish. But Walz, who has been recognized for his culinary prowess, has also created other variations, like a turkey taco tot hotdish. His passion for hotdish is evident in his impressive track record, winning the Minnesota congressional delegation's hotdish competition three times with different hotdish recipes in 2013, 2014, and again in 2016.

The Rise of “That Midwestern Mom”

TikTok creators are now taking on the challenge of recreating Walz's hotdish recipes. One creator, known as “That Midwestern Mom,” has gained significant traction with her videos, offering a humorous and heartwarming look at the world of Minnesota cooking.

Frazee’s Amber Estenson has cultivated a large online following for her folksy tribute to Minnesota cooking as That Midwestern Mom. Her videos simultaneously celebrate and skewer some of the hallmarks of Minnesota cuisine, with tongue-in-cheek preparations of “Minnesota salads that aren’t really salads” and a seemingly endless variety of hot dish. She's been featured on Today.com explaining the North Star State’s version of casserole.

Estenson’s character harks to a retro, small-town ideal of a housewife, but with a very obvious wink. She's a master of incorporating Minnesota vernacular and local references into her videos, creating a sense of authenticity and camaraderie that resonates with viewers.

Her latest viral video? Making Tim Walz’s hot dish recipe. Her popularity has grown so much that she’s been approached by national outlets for her expertise. She takes pride in sharing her love of hot dish and explaining its meaning and history to a wider audience. “I love that it’s our little pocket of American vernacular,” she says.

The Heart of Hotdish: More Than Just Ingredients

The appeal of hotdish extends beyond its ingredients. It’s about a feeling, a sense of comfort and togetherness that is deeply rooted in the Midwestern experience. “It makes you feel loved,” Estenson says. “It’s warm and cozy. Mom made it. It doesn’t matter, really, what it is. It’s just that feeling of being at home and with your family.”

While Walz's hotdish recipe has become a viral sensation, it’s also a reminder of the rich culinary traditions that exist across the country. It’s a testament to the power of food to connect people, spark conversations, and bring a sense of community to the table.

A Culinary Legacy for the Midwest

Tim Walz’s hotdish recipe has more than just a taste of the Midwest; it has a taste of Minnesota’s heart. From the warmth of the dish to the shared laughter it brings, hotdish is a reminder of the simple pleasures that bind us together. It's a testament to the power of food to tell stories, spark conversations, and create a sense of belonging.

Perhaps the best takeaway from the hotdish craze is that sometimes, the most simple things can have the biggest impact. A dish that embodies the essence of home and tradition has found its way to the national stage, reminding us that even in a world filled with complexity, there's always a place for comfort food, shared laughter, and good company.